Sixers to play preseason games in Syracuse, Allentown

PHILADELPHIA — The 76ers are returning to their roots this preseason, hosting a neutral-site game against the New York Knicks on Oct. 14 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, New York, the franchise's second appearance in its original hometown in three years, as well as a game against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 18 at the brand new PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The Sixers played their first 14 seasons as the Syracuse Nationals, winning the NBA championship in 1955.

"We are extremely excited to get the season underway and see our young players in action," Sixers CEO Scott O'Neil said, according to a release. "In addition to giving our fans a chance to get an early glimpse of our exciting team this preseason, we're thrilled to re-engage our friendly rivalry with the Knicks in Syracuse and to return to the Lehigh Valley to help open the PPL Center."

The preseason game against the Knicks at Syracuse will mark a homecoming for Sixers point guard Michael Carter-Williams.(Photo: Jeff Green/USA TODAY Sports)

The Sixers' preseason schedule, released Monday, features eight games beginning at Boston on Oct. 6 and concluding at Detroit on Oct. 23. They'll play two games at Wells Fargo Center, hosting Charlotte on Oct. 8 and Boston on Oct. 16.

Ticket information for the two games at Wells Fargo Center as well as the games in Syracuse and Allentown have not yet been announced.

The game against the Knicks will mark a homecoming for Syracuse University products Michael Carter-Williams, Sixers second-round draft pick Jerami Grant and Knicks star Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks defeated the Sixers 98-90 in their first matchup at Syracuse on Oct. 22, 2012.

The last time the Sixers played in Allentown was on Oct. 2, 1974, in an exhibition victory against the New York Nets of the ABA.

The Sixers open the regular season at Indiana on Oct. 29. Their home opener is against Miami on Nov. 1.